Check Weighing Using Real Loads and Acceleration Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current check weighing methods in forestry, particularly for energy wood and other timber grades, face challenges in accuracy due to the dynamic nature of loads and the need for frequent calibration, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when using test weights that may not accurately represent real loads.

Innovation Solution

A method that replaces traditional test weights with real loads for continuous monitoring and adjustment of weighing systems, utilizing acceleration sensors to improve precision and frequency of check weighing, while minimizing operator influence and accounting for changes in timber grades and conditions, without additional sensor arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional test weights are used for check weighing, then the weighing system can be calibrated, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighing accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses real loads instead of test weights to perform self-check weighing. The loader scale automatically compares the measured mass of real loads with expected mass values from the database, enabling continuous self-validation without requiring external calibration equipment or operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The check weighing process is integrated into normal loading operations, allowing continuous monitoring and validation of the weighing system during actual work. This eliminates the need to stop operations for separate calibration procedures, maintaining continuous productive action while ensuring measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If test weights are used for check weighing, then calibration can be performed, but frequent calibration disrupts work performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighing reliabilityVSAvoidwork performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The check weighing function is merged with normal loading operations. The system simultaneously performs productive loading work and validation of weighing accuracy using the same loads, eliminating the need for separate calibration activities that would interrupt work flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By using real loads during normal operations for check weighing, the system maintains continuous both productive work and validation activities. This eliminates interruptions to work performance while ensuring continuous monitoring of weighing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If test weights are used, then check weighing can be performed, but operator influence and errors may affect results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecheck weighing accuracyVSAvoidoperator influence
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-validation by comparing measured masses with database values. This automated process eliminates manual intervention and operator influence, reducing human errors while maintaining measurement precision through systematic comparison with expected values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If loader scale is adjusted frequently to maintain accuracy, then weighing precision is maintained, but time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighing precisionVSAvoidloading productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors weighing accuracy during normal loading operations without requiring adjustments to stop work. By integrating validation into the loading process itself, the system maintains weighing precision while preserving loading productivity through uninterrupted operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback by comparing measured masses with expected values from the database. This automatic feedback mechanism allows real-time detection of weighing deviations without requiring manual adjustments, maintaining precision while avoiding productivity loss from frequent calibration interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for more frequent and accurate check weighing, quickly detecting device faults and maintaining high precision, reducing the reliance on test weights and improving the overall reliability of the weighing system, enabling continuous monitoring and alerting operators to potential issues.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing acceleration sensors to improve precision and frequency of check weighing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP2668476B1Method in the check weighing of a weighing system and software product and arrangement in the check weighing of a weighing system and materials handling equipment
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 PONSSE OY
  • EP2668476B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2668476B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2668476B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method in the check weighing of a weighing system. In the method, a hoist (15) equipped with a weighing system (14) is used to lift a load (27), which is weighed, and the value measured by the weighing system (14) is recorded. In the method, the weighing system (14) is adjusted as required, on the basis of the recorded values. A real load (28), which is weighed when not moving, is used as the load (27). The same real load (28) is also weighed during a normal movement while moving. A reference value is defined from these two weighings of the same real load (28), on the basis of which the weighing system (14) is adjusted if necessary and/or the precision probably achieved by the weighing system (14) is estimated. The invention also relates to a software product and an arrangement in the check weighing of a weighing system, and materials handling equipment.